Pakyong, September 03 (IPR): A joint inspection led by MLA cum Advisor, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Ms Pamin Lepcha, in the presence of District Collector, Pakyong, Ms Pari Bishnoi, was conducted at Barapathing, Pheri Ward, today.
The inspection was carried out to assess the ground situation, identify the underlying concerns and deliberate on necessary measures for restoration and long-term mitigation.
The inspection was attended by Zilla Panchayats, Panchayat members, OSD to MLA, Additional Director, Mines and Geology Department, SE, Roads and Bridges Department, SDM Pakyong, Senior Geologist, Mines and Geology Department, DFO (T), Divisional Engineer, PHE Department, BDO Parakha, AE, Water Resources Department, RO/AD, DPO Pakyong, along with representatives from NHIDCL and Nalanda Engicon Private Limited.
During the meeting, various issues concerning muck dumping, road connectivity, drinking water supply, drainage, blockage of natural water channels and damages caused by the landslide were discussed. Local residents also apprised the officials of their grievances and concerns and suggested possible measures to address the issues.
Addressing the gathering, MLA cum Advisor, Ms Pamin Lepcha acknowledged the concerns raised by the local community and stressed the need for all concerned departments and agencies to discharge their responsibilities effectively, particularly in geographically and environmentally sensitive areas.
She highlighted the region’s vulnerability to landslides and other geological risks, especially during the monsoon and stressed that proper assessment, drainage planning and protective measures must precede road cutting and other construction activities. She directed the agencies to complete the necessary protection and stabilisation works before proceeding to the next stretch.
Emphasising a coordinated and systematic approach, Ms Pamin Lepcha urged all the concerned departments and agencies to adopt a 360-degree assessment covering geological conditions, slope stability, drainage, water flow and potential impacts on surrounding areas. She also called for regular inter-departmental coordination, joint assessments and follow up until all pending issues are resolved.
Addressing the drinking water issue, she directed the concerned departments to prioritise the restoration of damaged water lines and ensure uninterrupted supply to residents. She further directed the Mines and Geology Department to conduct a comprehensive technical survey in coordination with Panchayat representatives and local residents to assess the area’s geological history and prevailing conditions and prepare a detailed report for appropriate and sustainable interventions.
She also called for expediting road connectivity works with the objective of restoring connectivity before Dussehra and urged the local community to remain proactive and promptly report emerging issues to the authorities. She concluded by stressing the timely completion of works and close coordination among all concerned agencies, particularly in vulnerable areas during the monsoon.
Additionally, District Collector, Pakyong, Ms Pari Bishnoi directed the concerned departments and executing agencies, including NHIDCL and the Department of Mines and Geology, to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the structural damages, slope instability and plinth shifting in the area.
She directed the Department of Mines and Geology to undertake an immediate re-survey of the upper slopes to assess slope movement, muck dumping and changes in natural drainage patterns. She also directed for a comprehensive assessment of muck-dumping practices and the adequacy of protective measures at active construction sites.
Additionally, NHIDCL was directed to submit its site drainage plan and map, while executing agencies were asked to provide pre-construction photographs, baseline records and drone imagery. These would be compared with historical satellite imagery and Panchayat reports to establish whether construction activities contributed to the landslides and damages.
The DC further directed that the administration technically establish the cause of structural damages, including plinth shifting, before initiating restoration and compensation processes. She clarified that damages beyond the official Right of Way (ROW) would not be automatically treated as “Beyond ROW” cases if they are linked to construction activities such as improper muck dumping or water discharge.
She then mentioned that official requisition letters will be issued to the concerned agencies, while a dedicated task force will prepare inspection files for affected properties to facilitate damage assessment and compensation.
Assuring the affected public, the DC stated that a proper technical survey was essential to identify the cause and appropriate solution and assured all necessary administrative assistance in resolving the issues.
Additionally, DFO (T), Mr Sonam Pintso Bhutia briefed the gathering on the provisions governing dumping in forest areas and the legal implications of unauthorised dumping. He also urged the public to promptly report instances of illegal dumping within designated areas to the concerned authorities and assured that necessary action would be taken upon receipt of complaints.
Likewise, SDM Pakyong, Mr Nilkantha Bhandari, urged local residents to promptly inform the administration of any concerns regarding potential natural calamities, enabling timely intervention and necessary measures. He also assured the residents of assistance in addressing their concerns at the earliest.
Furthermore, BDO Parakha also apprised the gathering of the Jal Jeevan Mission interventions being undertaken in the region and highlighted concerns related to drinking water scarcity and advised the concerned agencies to accord priority to the issue and facilitate timely measures to ensure adequate water supply to the affected areas.
The joint inspection concluded with directions for coordinated action among the concerned departments to address the concerns of the residents, while undertaking necessary technical assessments for long-term and sustainable solutions.
Earlier, the team also carried out a site inspection at Barapathing, Pheri Ward, to verify the muck-dumping area.
Prior to the inspection, MLA-cum-Advisor, Ms Pamin Lepcha, alongside District Collector, Pakyong, Ms Pari Bishnoi, participated in a community plantation drive organised by the Pakhanved Foundation. This was followed by a visit to Bahai School, Linkey, wherein they interacted with the students of the school.